Description

NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code provides critical guidance for the safe installation and operation of fuel gas piping systems, appliances, equipment, and accessories. Installers, designers, AHJs, maintainers, inspectors, and facility managers look to the Code for design requirements; inspection, testing, and purging requirements; pipe sizing tables; and venting system rules that address fuel gas risks. Each edition builds on the next, through consensus-based changes that reflect the evolving needs of the field and the latest information about fuel gas safety.

The 2012 NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code incorporates indoor gas piping purging rules that address recommendations by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB). In response to a devastating gas piping purging accident, NFPA 54 received an emergency Tentative Interim Amendment to the purging requirements in the 2009 Code. With minor editorial changes, the 2012 NFPA 54 presents these new rules specifying mandatory use of combustible gas indicators and detectors so employers can identify the presence of fuel gas. Other major changes improve safety and facilitate Code application; such as a new bonding clamp location for Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) gas piping that clarifies bonding requirements added in the 2009 edition.

The 2009 NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code reflects scores of proposals from the field. A new bonding requirement for Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) gas piping installed inside buildings helps protect against threats likely to energize gas piping. This edition also addresses a new system of connecting copper tubing using a crimping tool for press-connect fittings, and includes a new rule for a dedicated master shutoff valve for laboratories. Revised requirements for connectors to radiant tube heaters help prevent cracks, leaks, or fractures. Additional requirements for commercial cooking appliance connectors reduce the risk of fugitive gas, potential fires, and subsequent losses.

The 2006 NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code includes revised data that helps designers and engineers properly size longer installations; dozens of pipe sizing tables have been extended with information for all piping up to 2,000 feet. A first-time requirement addresses support of rooftop piping to protect against wind damage. Revised requirements for appliance shutoff valves allow manifold systems with all shutoff valves in one location up to 50 feet from the most remote appliance. Definitions are organized by categories, and chapters dealing with piping, installation, and venting are grouped together for ease of use.